My name is Nicky Yuen. I am a boy. I am 22 years old. I play drums in Ignite The Hope and Hungry Ghosts. I also sing in In Love And Pain. Thank you :Dhttp://www.xanga.com/darkintention
'Inspired by People' - Luke Chow
After two years of anticipation, introspective singer-songwriter Luke Chow has finally released his long-awaited debut album. Having Alexandra from Hard Candy on bass, Mike from Shepherds the Weak on drums, and Ben Tse from The Lovesong as the producer, inspired by people is a philosophical journey paved with optimism, musicianship and passion.
On this nine tracker, Luke expresses his intimate feelings and perspectives on life through his swaying guitar rhythms and flickering melody lines. His mellow voice – sometimes pleading, sometimes poignant – brightens the melodramatic lyrics with enthusiasm and sincerity, enticing you to drown in and reflect on yourself. It would be more accurate to say Luke possesses a blend of John Mayer’s sensuality and Jason Mraz’s exuberance.
Becoming A Dentist is the highlight of the album. With relentlessly upbeat drum grooves and grungy guitars, Luke conveys the importance of having control over your own life in a fervent and cheerful manner. Two Weeks Too Few is another notable track comprising of a series of impressive changes in song structure and mood. Not only does it push the sentimentality to its limit, it also turns the song into strong surges of emotions.
If it is consolation that you seek, inspired by people is the right choice. Trust me. You’ll be happy.
http://www.lukechow.com
Reviewed by Nicholas, September 2007
'Deborah, Anne & Violet' - Hard Candy
Eccentric, quirky and unpredictable, Hard Candy are a full-girl experimental punk trio that brings a very unique noise to the local music scene. Apart from fusing “riot grrrl†with post-rock and punk-punk elements, they explore every possibility of sound by arranging songs without any restrictions, bearing a close resemblance to Yeah Yeah Yeahs meeting Sonic Youth and Mogwai. The vocal style of guitarist/lead singer Yanyan Pang is remarkably peculiar in a captivating sense. Her deliberate off-tune intonation exudes a sense of innocence and gives an erratic quality to Alexandra’s groovy bass lines and Renee’s creative drumming.
Bad Bad Bad would most probably be the piece that represents themselves. The song bursts into energetic punk straight away as Pang utters nonchalantly and a whistle blows. It is the strident girl punk attitude that makes it punchy and rambunctious, defining their signature style. Instrumental track Elliot, The Moment You Stab On Your Chest is different though. It is moody and meandering, and is a reminiscent of The Cure plus Explosions In The Sky.
Yes. It takes time to digest experimental music; but once you get into it, it will be a different story. Give Hard Candy a taste!
http://www.hardcandygrrl.com
Reviewed by Nicholas, September 2007
